Value engine providing current cash value for wagering game indicia

ABSTRACT

A value engine for a gaming machine generally determines a cash value for player cards, symbols, or other gaming indicia even though the indicia does not form a winning outcome. The value engine may determine the cash value for the indicia at various times or stages during a game. The cash value may be presented to the player, and the player may be permitted to accept or decline the cash value. If accepted, the cash value may be paid out to the player. If declined the player may continue playing the game. The value engine is may be used with or implemented as part of a variety of wagering games and presents a challenging and engaging choice to players to to further continued play and entertainment at a gaming machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

The invention relates to electronic wagering games and systems,particularly to a gaming machine configured to provide value for partialor incomplete game outcomes.

2. Related Art.

Traditional electronic wagering games and systems accept a wager,present a wagering game to a player, evaluate the outcome of the game,and then award the player if the outcome is a winning outcome. Forexample, in video poker, a player may place his or her wager to receivean initial draw of cards. The player may then choose which cards to holdand which to discard. If, at the end of the game, the player possessescards which form a winning hand, the player wins an award. If not, theplayer loses his or her wager.

In the case of a slot game, the game proceeds in similar fashion. Forexample, a player places a wager to obtain a spin of one or more slotreels. If, at the end of the game, the reels stop such that a winningoutcome is displayed, the player wins. If not, the player loses his orher wager.

The proliferation of gaming and wagering games has made players veryfamiliar with traditional games. Thus, new games are continuouslydeveloped to attempt to renew the enticement and excitement of wageringgames to such players. Unfortunately, in seeking newer and perhapsdifferent players some games have become extraordinarily complex. Insome cases, the number of ways a winning outcome can be obtained is sonumerous and complex that a player cannot readily determine if he or shehas won, without relying on the game to inform the player of the same.Though new players may be enticed to play, the player's sense of controland ability to actually play the game is lost since the correlationbetween player actions, the resulting game outcomes, and actual winningoutcomes is not easily discernable.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that thepresent invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the priorart while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits notcontemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A value engine for determining and presenting current cash value of aplayer's cards, symbols, or other game indicia is disclosed herein. Ingeneral, the value engine provides a current cash value for non-finalsets of symbols or hands. The player may be presented with an option totake the current cash value or to continue player to achieve a winningoutcome. If the player does not take the current cash value of his orher game indicia or achieve a winning outcome, the player typically willlose his or her wager. In this general manner, the value engine enhancesthe enjoyment and entertainment of a wagering game by presenting theplayer with a challenging choice to to accept a current cash value forhis or her hand or to forgo the current cash value to attempt to achievea winning outcome (and possibly a larger award).

As will be disclosed herein, the value engine may be implemented at orbe part of a gaming machine. For instance, in one embodiment a gamingmachine configured to present one or more wagering games may include thevalue engine to gain its functionality and benefits. Such a gamingmachine may also have a display configured to present one or more gamesymbols to a player, and a paytable defining one or more winningoutcomes and an associated award for each of the winning outcomes.

The gaming machine may present various games, such as poker games, cardgames, or slot games. For example, it is noted that the paytable maycomprise one or more poker hands and the game symbols may be numberedplaying card symbols. Alternatively, the paytable may comprise one ormore sets of slot symbols and the game symbols in such case may be slotsymbols.

The value engine may be configured to determine the odds of at least oneof the winning outcomes occurring from the game symbols and to present acurrent cash value for the game symbols on the display. The current cashvalue may be generated by the value engine and may be less than theassociated award for the at least one winning outcome.

It is noted that the value engine may be configured to present thecurrent cash value only when the symbols do not form any of the winningoutcomes. This is because the value of the symbols will typically bedefined by a paytable if the symbols form a winning outcome.

Current cash value may be determined in various ways. For instance, thevalue engine may generate the current cash value by calculating thecurrent cash value from at least the odds of at the least one of thewinning outcomes occurring from the game symbols, and the associatedaward of the at least one winning outcome.

One or more input devices may be used to receive an indication that theplayer is accepting the current cash value. When engaged, the inputdevices may cause the gaming machine to pay out the current cash valueto the player. The gaming machine may be configured to end a wageringgame after an indication that the player is accepting the current cashvalue is received.

In another exemplary embodiment, a gaming machine configured to presentone or more wagering games may comprise a memory device storing one ormore game symbols provided to a player by the gaming machine for use ina wagering game, and a processor configured to determine if the gamesymbols form a winning outcome, and if not, to generate a cash value forthe game symbols.

It is contemplated that the processor may be further configured todetermine the odds of at least one winning outcome occurring from thegame symbols. The winning outcome may have an associated award so thatthe processor can generate a cash value less than the associated awardof the winning outcome.

A display configured to present the current cash value to the player maybe provided as well. An input device may be used to receive anindication that the player is accepting the current cash value. Whenengaged, the input device may cause the gaming machine to pay out thecurrent cash value to the player. The gaming machine may also end acurrent game being played on the gaming machine when the input device isengaged.

The gaming machine may include one or more additional input devicesconfigured to accept input from the player to allow the player to playthe game. In addition, a payout dispenser configured to pay the cashvalue to the player as a result of the input device being engaged may bepart of the gaming machine.

The value engine and functionality thereof may be implemented as amethod in some embodiments. For example, a method of paying out an awardfor non-final hands at a gaming machine could be implemented to providethe functionality and benefits of the value engine. In one embodiment,such a method may comprise accepting a wager at the gaming machine,presenting one or more game symbols that do not form a winning outcomeon a display of the gaming machine, and presenting a cash value for thegame symbols to the player before the game has ended.

An option for the player to accept the cash value may then be presented.One or more additional game symbols can be presented subsequently. Thegame may be ended by determining if the game symbols and the additionalgame symbols form a winning outcome. The player may be paid an awardassociated with the winning outcome if the game symbols and theadditional symbols form the winning outcome. Alternatively, the player'sacceptance of the cash value may be received, and if so, the game may beended immediately thereafter by paying the player the cash value.

The method may also include determining odds of a winning outcomeoccurring from the symbols, and generating the cash value based on theodds. Alternatively or in addition, a winning outcome including at leastone of the symbols may be identified, and the cash value may be set toan amount less than an award amount associated with the winning outcome.It is contemplated that the cash value may also be set such that it isgreater than the wager.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1A illustrates a gaming environment where a value engine may beused;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary gaming machine having thevalue engine;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary arrangement ofgaming machine components;

FIG. 3A illustrates a display showing a current cash value at anexemplary poker game;

FIG. 3B illustrates a display presenting a current cash value at anexemplary poker game;

FIG. 3C illustrates a display presenting a current cash value at anexemplary slot game;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplary valueengine; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating determination of current cashvalue by an exemplary value engine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the value engine herein is configured to evaluate gameoutcomes at various stages of a game. The value engine can thendetermine a monetary or cash value for the current game outcome andpresent this value to a player. In one or more to embodiments, the cashvalue may be offered to the player in exchange for something.

For example, the player may forgo an opportunity for a large award sothat he or she may take the current cash value being offered.

The value engine is advantageous in that it adds a new element towagering games that is compatible with a wide variety of wagering games.It is contemplated that the value engine may be used with any wageringgame where game symbols or indicia (e.g., playing card symbols, slotsymbols, keno numbers, bingo numbers, etc . . . ) are revealed insubsequent stages or steps of a game. For example, in a keno type game,the value engine may generate a cash value for a player's keno cardbased on the numbers the player currently has marked. The value enginemay reevaluate the keno card as additional numbers are marked todetermine a cash value as each keno number is revealed and/or asindividual numbers are marked on the keno card.

It can be seen from the above example, that determination of a currentcash value can be triggered by various events. This is advantageous inthat some events that occur during a wagering game may change the oddsor other characteristics of a game without changing the game symbols orindicia. For example, in the keno example, the odds of a player winningmay be altered when each subsequent number is revealed, even though eachnumber is not marked on the player's keno card (i.e., the player's kenocard remains unchanged).

Since the value engine may be used with a variety of wagering games, itis also advantageous in that it can be used to enhance traditionalgames, such as to encourage new players to play or to entice existingplayers to continue playing. In addition, the value engine providesfeedback in the form of a current cash value for the player's currentset of game symbols or indicia. This allows players to make a connectionbetween their actions and the cash value presented by the value engine.

Thus, players are able to actively play and participate in a game havingthe value engine. This gives players a sense of control which makes thegame challenging and more entertaining.

The value engine may also attract new players who are attracted to gameswhere they can easily see the results of their actions. It is notedthat, in some embodiments, the value engine also provides the benefit ofoffering but not requiring players to act upon a cash value presented bythe value engine. In this manner, players may play a wagering game asthey desire. This reduces, if not eliminates, the risk that players ofparticular games will be alienated by the value engine.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary gaming machine 100 at which thevalue engine 122 may be implemented or used. In one embodiment, thegaming machine 100 is a wager-based gaming machine configured to presentone or more games to a player, which games offer the possibility of anaward of winnings. Of course, the gaming machine 100 could be configuredto present games or amusing activities based upon payment and either notaward winnings or offer the opportunity for points, tickets, prizes orthe like.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 100 defines a generally enclosedinterior space for housing one or more components. As illustrated, thegaming machine 100 generally comprises a housing or cabinet 102 forsupporting and/or enclosing various components required for operation ofthe gaming machine. In the embodiment illustrated, the housing 102 mayinclude a door 106 located at a front thereof, the door capable of beingmoved between an open position which allows access to the interior and aclosed position in which access to the interior is generally prevented.The configuration of the gaming machine 100 may vary. In the embodimentillustrated, the gaming machine 100 has an “upright” configuration.However, the gaming machine 100 could have other configurations, shapesor dimensions (such as being of a “slant”-type or other configuration asis well known to those of skill in the art). It is noted that theconfiguration of the door 106 may vary, such as dependent upon theconfiguration of the gaming machine 100.

The gaming machine 100 preferably includes at least one display device104 configured to display game information. The display device 104 maybe a mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic display, such as oneor more rotating reels, a video display or the like. When the displaydevice 104 is an electronic video display, it may comprise a cathode raytube (CRT), high resolution flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD),projection LCD, plasma display, field emission display, digitalmicro-mirror display (DMD), digital light processing display (DLP), LCDtouch screen, a light emitting display (LED) or other suitable displaysnow known or later developed, in a variety of resolutions, sizes andformats (e.g. 4:3, widescreen or the like). The display 104 may becapable of projecting or displaying a wide variety of information,including images, symbols and other indicia or information associatedwith game play, game promotion or other events. In one embodiment, thedisplay 104 may be used to present one or more paytables associated withthe opportunity for increased awards.

It is contemplated that if more than one display 104 is provided in thegaming machine 100, each display 104 may present different information.For example, one display 104 may be used to present one or morepaytables while another display is used to present a game. Alternativelyor in addition, one display 104 may be used to display current cashvalues determined by the value engine 122. The current cash value couldalso or alternatively be displayed on a main display 104 or a singledisplay of a gaming machine 100.

The gaming machine 100 may be configured to present various styles orconfigurations of games having the inventive features described herein.These may include games in Class III, such as video poker games, keno,slot-type games, and blackjack or other card, dice or various othergames now known or later developed, as well as games in Class II,including central determinant games such a video lottery, bingo andbingo-based games, and other games now known or later developed. Thegames may also be skill based or include one or more skill components.In one embodiment, certain game outcomes may be designated as winningoutcomes. Awards may be provided for winning outcomes, such as monetarypayments (or representations thereof, such as award of credits), prizesor the like. As is well known in the art, the number of winning outcomesmay vary dependent upon the desired payout or winning percentage offeredto the players as compared to wagers that are retained by the gamingestablishment.

The gaming machine 100 may include one or more player input devices 108(such as input buttons, a touch-screen display, joystick, touch-pad orthe like) that may be utilized by the player to facilitate game play.For example, the gaming machine 100 may include a “bet credit” button118, “cash out” button 116 or the like, such as to permit a player towager monetary credits credited to the machine. It is contemplated thatthe player input devices 108 may be physical buttons or touch buttons ona display 104 in one or more embodiments. The player input devices 108may also or alternatively be other controls, such as sliders, switches,scroll bars, etc . . . , implemented by physical structures or on adisplay 104.

The gaming machine 100 may also include one or more peripherals 110,such as a currency accepting mechanism 112 for accepting coins and/or acurrency or card reader 114 for reading player tracking cards, creditcards, ATM cards, or the like. Some other exemplary peripherals 110include speakers, voucher/payout ticket printers, voucher/payout ticketscanners, coin or currency dispensers, and the like.

The gaming machine 100 may include a means for paying a player anywinnings accumulated during game play. For example, as stated above, a“cash out” button 116 may be provided. The “cash out” button 116 maypermit a player to be paid the winnings or redeeming any creditsinitially paid into the gaming machine 100. The term “cash out” is usedherein to define an event initiated by the player wherein the playerreceives a number of coins or currency that is equivalent to the valueof the player's accrued credit base. Typically when a player cashes out,the player receives either a paper currency voucher or currency in theform of a coin disbursement. If the player decides to receive a coindisbursement, the gaming machine 100 may activate a coinhopper/dispenser or coin handling device (not shown) which physicallycounts and delivers the proper number of coins to the player. The coinhandling device is commonly configured to transport coins from a supplysource (hopper or bin filled with coins) to a coin tray or payoutreceptacle where the player physically receives the coins. The playermight also elect to cash out by having a ticket or other mediadispensed, such as via a printer, or electronically such as bytransferring credits or currency to the player's bank account or playertracking account.

In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine 100 includes one or morecontrollers or processors 128 for controlling the gaming machine,including receiving player input and sending output signals forcontrolling the various components of the machine 100 (such asgenerating game information for display by the display 104). A processor128 may be a microprocessor, chip, electronic circuit, or the like inone or more embodiments.

The processor 128 may be arranged to send signals for determiningwinning combinations and to cause the display 104 to display winningamount information.

The processor 128 may communicate with input devices 108, peripherals110, and one or more displays 104 (or other output devices) to allow aplayer to interact with and play a wagering game at the gaming machine100. In addition, the processor 128 may determine if a round of gameplay has resulted in a win, and if so, the amount to be paid to theplayer for that win. Also, one or more processors 128 may provide thevalue engine 122 and functionality thereof, as described herein, such asby being hardwired to form the value engine or by executing machinereadable code that implements the value engine. For instance, as shown,the value engine 122 is provided by the processor 128 of FIG. 1B. It isnoted that the value engine 122 may be a separate component, comprisingfor example a separate processor 128, in some embodiments.

A processor 128 may access one or more memory devices 130. A memorydevice 130 may be configured to store the machine readable code toimplement and/or operate one or more wagering games. It is contemplatedthat a memory device 130 may also or alternatively be configured tostore information to implement and/or operate the value engine 122. Forexample, information related to the play or execution of a game and thevalue engine 122 such as but not limited to credits, amounts wagered,paytables, paylines, odds for a winning outcome, cards/symbols dealt,jackpot amounts, bonuses, and randomly generated numbers may be storedin a memory device 130. This and other information may be stored in thememory device 130 for a period of time to the information to be used bya value engine 122 in determining a current cash value.

As stated, a memory device 130 may store machine readable code toimplement a value engine 122. For example, a processor 128 may retrieveand execute machine readable code to provide the value engine 122, itsfeatures, or its functionality as disclosed herein.

Though shown external to the processor 128, it is contemplated that oneor more memory devices 130 may be internal to the processor. A memorydevice 130 may utilize various storage technologies to accomplish datastorage and retrieval. For example, a memory device may be optical ormagnetic media, a hard drive, flash drive, optical drive, RAM, ROM, orthe like.

The gaming machine 100 may include one or more random number generators126 in some embodiments. In general, the random number generator 126will be used to provide random game outcomes. For example, the randomnumber generator 126 may be used to deal or present random game symbolsor indicia to a player during a to game. The random number generator 126may be external to the processor 128 or may be integrated or be part ofthe processor in some embodiments.

The gaming machine 100 may be configured as a stand-alone device or bein communication with one or more external devices at one or more times,such as through one or more communication devices 124. For example, thegaming machine 100 may be configured as a client-type device and obtaingame code or game outcome information from a remote server 120 throughnetwork or other communications. These one or more gaming servers 120may be configured to perform accounting, player tracking, bonusing, gamegeneration, random number generation, or other functions. To illustrate,in some embodiments, the gaming machine 100 need not have a randomnumber generator 126 since such functionality may be provided by agaming server 120.

The value engine 122 will typically utilize and/or be implemented byvarious elements of the gaming machine 100. For example, one or moreplayer input devices 108 may be used to interact with the value engine122. In one embodiment for example, a player input device 108 in theform of an “accept” button may be provided to allow a player to accept acurrent cash value presented on a display 104 by the value engine. Oneor more peripherals 110 may be used by the value engine 122 as well. Forexample, the value engine 122 may utilize a ticket printer or coindispenser to award a current cash value to a player.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the value engine 122 incommunication with various other components of a gaming machine. Forexample, as can be seen, the value engine 122 may be in communicationwith one or more displays 104, input to devices 108, random numbergenerators 126, memory devices 130, or various subsets/combinationsthereof.

In operation, the value engine 122 may evaluate game information todetermine a current cash value. For example, in one embodiment, thevalue engine 122 may receive game information identifying the gamesymbols or indicia the player currently has, the odds the player willwin (or lose), the amount the player has wagered, or variouscombinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the value engine 122 mayobtain or be provided this information from another element of thegaming machine. For example, the value engine 122 may retrieve gameinformation from a memory device 130 of the gaming machine.

The value engine 122 may process the game information to produce acurrent cash value for presentation to the player. In general, the valueengine 122 will provide a current cash value based on the likelihoodthat a player will win an award and/or the amount of that award. Forexample, as will be described further below, a player of a poker gamemay be given a current cash value for his or her partial hand based onthe likelihood (i.e., odds) that the partial (or non-final) hand willbecome one or more particular winning hands as the poker gameprogresses. The current cash value may take into account the amount theplayer may win. For example, the current cash value will typically belower than the amount the player would win if he or she achieved one ofthe winning hands. In this manner, the current cash value is an enticingamount, but is less than the amount the player could possibly win. It isnoted that the current cash value may also take into account theplayer's wager so that the current cash value may be set above or belowthe player's wager amount. This allows a challenging and engaging choiceto be presented to the player by the value engine 122. Namely, theplayer may choose between taking the current cash value of his or herhand or forgoing this value to attempt to win a larger award for thehand.

As can be seen, the value engine 122 may communicate the current cashvalue to a display 104 to present the current cash value to the playerfor evaluation. An input device 108, such as an “accept” button, may beprovided to allow a player to indicate whether or not the player wishesto accept or take the current cash value. It is contemplated that arandom number generator 126 may optionally provided/used in one or moreembodiments. For example, if provided, the random number generator 126may randomize the current cash value so as to make the current cashvalue unpredictable to players. For example, a random number generatormay be used to increase the current cash value a random amount at randomor predetermined times. In this manner, players will not be able toeasily predict the current cash value and thus will continue to beengaged by the value engine 122.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary display 104 showing the presentationof a current cash value at a poker-type game. As can be seen, thedisplay 104 shows a set of dealt cards 304, a plurality of “hold”buttons 108A, a “bet” button 108B, and a “deal” button 108C. The “hold”buttons 108A may be used to hold one or more of the cards, while the“deal” button 108C is used to deal and/or replace one or more cards 304.The “bet” button 108B may be used to wager a desired amount of creditsor currency. A paytable 308 may also be shown on the display 104 (orelsewhere) to allow a player to determine the winning hands or outcomesand their associated award.

As can also be seen, the display 104 also presents the number of creditsa player has, and the amount the player has wagered. In addition, thecurrent cash value of the player's current hand is shown as well. Asdescribed above, the current cash value may be determined and presentedby the value engine. In the poker example of FIG. 3A, the value enginehas evaluated the player's cards 304 in light of the paytable 308 anddetermined a current cash value for the cards of 30 credits. This amountis higher than the player's wager of 10 credits and so is enticing tothe player. However, the current cash value of 30 credits is less thanthe 100 credits the player could win if he or she obtains the one card304 needed to complete a royal flush.

Therefore, the player has a choice to accept the current cash value orto forgo this value and continue playing the game. As can be seen, oneor more input devices 108 may be provided to allow the player to makehis or her choice known. For example, FIG. 3A illustrates an “acceptvalue” button 108D which, when engaged, would award the player thecurrent cash value, such as by crediting the current cash value to theplayer's credits or by otherwise paying out the current cash value. Inthe example of FIG. 3A, this would be the amount of the current cashvalue of 30 credits.

It is noted that a “decline” button could be provided in someembodiments. In such embodiments, the player may be required to acceptor decline the current cash value before the game will continue. Thisbrings attention to the current cash value. However, this is optional.In typical embodiments, the value engine will present current cashvalues and the game may proceed according to its rules, unless theplayer engages an “accept” button 108D or the like to indicate that heor she wishes to take the current cash value offered by the valueengine.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate that the current cash value is dynamic and may bebased on the current situation of the game being played. To illustrate,in FIG. 3A the player has four cards to a royal flush and thus is closeto achieving the royal flush. As such, the value engine has determined acurrent cash value for this set of cards 304 as 30 credits. In FIG. 3B,the player requires two cards to achieve a royal flush.

Because of the lower odds that a winning outcome will be achieved, thevalue engine has determined a lower current cash value of 15 credits forthis set of cards 304. Both these current cash values are lower than theaward of 100 credits that could be won if the player achieves a royalflush. Thus, the player is challenged to make a choice between thecurrent cash value and the larger winning amount.

It is contemplated that the current cash value may be presented atstages of the game. For example, current cash value may be determinedand presented after each card or other game symbol is dealt to a player.This may occur in real time or in substantially real time. For example,as each individual playing card or slot symbol is revealed, a newcurrent cash value may be calculated. This provides an animatedpresentation which may be engaging to players. Alternatively, currentcash value may be determined and presented at the end of each dealingstage of a game. For example, in a video poker game, current cash valuemay be presented after the initial deal, after one or more cards areheld, or after one or more replacement cards are dealt (assuming thegame is not over after the replacement cards are dealt).

Similarly, in a slot type game, current cash value may be calculated fornewly revealed slot symbols, held symbols, and/or replacement symbols(assuming the game is not over as a result of revealing such symbol(s)).For example, FIG. 3C illustrates a slot game where one or more reels 312may be respun. This feature can be used to replace individual gamesymbols, such as slot symbols along a payline 316. In this manner, aplayer may attempt to obtain a winning outcome while retaining orholding one or more of his or her current slot symbols.

FIG. 3C illustrates an embodiment where the player is close to achievinga 777 jackpot of 1000 credits. As can be seen, the gaming machine offersthe player a current cash value of 30 credits and an “accept” button108D to allow the player to accept the current cash value.Alternatively, the player may forgo the current cash value and attemptto win the jackpot, such as by engaging the “spin” button 108C.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplary gamingmachine having the value engine. FIG. 4 provides a high levelillustration of the operation of the value engine that may be used witha variety of wagering games, such as slot type games, poker type games,keno games, bingo games, or other games.

At a step 404, a wager may be received or accepted to begin a wageringgame. The wager may be in the form of credits or currency and may bephysically or electronically received by a payment acceptor of thegaming machine. At a step 408, one or more game symbols or indicia maybe presented, such as on a display of the gaming machine. This may occurin various ways. For example, in one embodiment, one or more slotsymbols may be presented such as by spinning and then stopping one ormore reels. Alternatively or in addition, one or more playing cards maybe dealt. In a keno embodiment, one or more numbers may be presented sothat those that match the player's keno card may be identified.

At a decision step 412, it may be determined if the game is over or hasconcluded. At this stage, the game is most likely not over since thewager was just placed and the first game symbol(s) were just displayed.However, in the event the game is over at decision step 412, it may thenbe determined if the player is a winner at a decision step 416. Forexample, the player's game symbol(s) may be compared to a paytable orotherwise evaluated to determine if they meet the requirements to bedeemed a winning combination or winning outcome. If not, the game endsat a step 420 where the player's wager may be retained by the gamingestablishment. If the player is a winner, then at a step 424, the playermay be paid an award associated with the winning outcome he or she hasachieved. A paytable may be consulted to determine this amount.

At the decision step 412, if the game is not over, at a step 428, acurrent cash value for the player's current game symbols may begenerated and presented by the value engine of the gaming machine. It isnoted that the player's game symbols may be the slot symbols or playingcards that are revealed to the player. Though a number of game indiciamay be revealed it is contemplated that only some of them may beconsidered for purposes of determining current cash value. For example,only indicia along one or more active paylines or at one or moreparticular positions/locations on the gaming machine's display may beconsidered. In a keno (or bingo) embodiment, the numbers marked andtheir position relative to one another may be considered for purposes ofdetermining current cash value. Alternatively, the unmarked numbersneeded to win the keno game and their positions may be considered.

As stated above, the determination of current cash value occur invarious ways. In one embodiment, the odds of achieving a particularwinning outcome and the award amount for this outcome may be used todetermine current cash value. In addition, the amount wagered may alsobe used. It is contemplated that the number of credits a playercurrently has may also be used to determine current cash value. In oneor more embodiments, the goal of the value engine may be to provide aninteresting or challenging choice to the player with the current cashvalue. Further details regarding the determination of current cash valuewill be described below.

Once presented, it may be determined at a decision step 432 whether ornot the current cash value is accepted by the player. For instance, theplayer may engage a “accept” button or the like to indicate the currentcash value has been accepted. It is contemplated that the player maydecline current cash value for his or her game symbols by simplycontinuing to play the game without accepting, or by engaging a“decline” button or the like.

If the player accepts the current cash value for his or her game symbolsat decision step 432, the current cash value may be paid to the playerat step 424. The game may then end. It is noted that the player may makeone or more additional wagers, such as at step 404 to play one or moreadditional games.

In some embodiments, if the current cash value is not accepted, at astep 436, the player may optionally be provided an option to split hisor her potential winnings into multiple opportunities to obtain awinning outcome. For example, a player with four cards to a Royal Flushmay decline the cash value and indicate a number of opportunities he orshe wishes to have to win. This may be indicated via a button or otherinput device of a gaming machine. The award for a winning outcome may bedivided by the number of opportunities. For example, for threeopportunities, each winning outcome may pay an equal third of the totalwinning award. The cards or other indicia dealt or otherwise providedduring each opportunity may be recycled into the deck so as to preservethe odds of the game. Also, in this manner, the player has a chance toachieve and thus be paid for the same winning outcome more than onetime.

It is contemplated that in one embodiment the opportunities may onlyapply to particular winning outcomes. For example, a player with four(or other number of cards) to a particular winning outcome may indicateand subsequently receive a set number of opportunities to win thatparticular winning outcome. In such case, the player may not be paid ifa winning outcome other than the particular winning outcome is achieved.

In addition or alternatively, if the current cash value is not acceptedat decision step 432, the player may optionally manipulate one or moreof his or her game symbols at a step 440. Such manipulation is optionaland is generally to allow the player to further or attempt to furtherhis or her progress towards a game outcome that is hopefully a winninggame outcome. For example, in a poker type game, the player may hold oneor more or none of the cards he or she currently holds at the symbolmanipulation step 440. In a slot type game the player may hold or retainone or more or no slot symbols at step 440. In some games, the symbolmanipulation step 440 may not be provided. For example, in a keno typegame where players have already marked certain numbers, no symbol ornumber manipulation may be permitted.

Once the optional symbol manipulation at step 440 is completed, and/orthe optional step of accepting a number of opportunities is completed atstep 436, the game may continue, such as by presenting one or moreadditional game symbols at step 408. To illustrate, in a poker typegame, the player may hit a “deal” button to indicate that symbolmanipulation is complete and the unheld cards should be replaced bynewly presented cards at step 408. In a slot type game, the player mayengage a “spin” button or the like to continue to step 408 where one ormore new slot symbols may be presented. If a number of opportunities hasbeen identified at step 436, it is contemplated that the subsequentlypresented symbol or symbols may be recycled into the deck prior topresentation of each opportunity to preserve the odds of the game.

It is noted that the process of presenting current cash value for aplayer's game symbols may continue with newly presented game symbolsuntil the game is over at decision step 412 or until the player acceptsa current cash value for his or her set of symbols at decision step 432.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating how current cash value may bedetermined by an exemplary value engine. In general, the process maybegin by the value engine receiving various game information from whichit may generate a current cash value. At a step 504, one or more gamesymbols or indicia belonging to a player may be received by the valueengine. For example, a player's hand of cards, slot symbols, kenonumbers, or bingo numbers may be received or retrieved by the valueengine. It is contemplated that only the symbol's available to theplayer may be considered the player's symbols. For example, only heldcards in a poker game, marked numbers in a keno game, or slot symbolsalong one or more active paylines may be considered the player'ssymbols. The other symbols may be considered unavailable since theywould not be usable to form a winning hand/outcome according to therules of the underlying wagering game. In one exemplary embodiment, aprocessor of the gaming machine may provide the player symbols to thevalue engine. In addition or alternatively, as described above, theplayer's symbols may be retrieved from a memory device.

At a step 508, additional information may be received or retrieved bythe value engine. For example, the amount wagered, cards or symbolsremaining to be dealt, credits remaining, and other information relatedto a wagering game may be collected at the value engine. Thisinformation may be used in determining a current cash value. Forexample, since a winning award may vary based on the amount wagered, thecurrent cash value may also vary based on the amount wagered. In one ormore embodiments, the current cash value may be greater for largerwagers and smaller for smaller wagers.

Once the desired or necessary information is received, the value enginemay evaluate the player's symbols. For example, at a step 516, theplayer's symbols may be compared to one or more paytables (definingwinning outcomes and their associated awards). In general, a paytablewould include one or more sets of game symbols or indicia associatedwith an award. A player would have a winning outcome if his or heroutcome matches one of these sets of game symbols.

At a decision step 516, it may be determined if the player's symbolsform a to winning outcome. If yes, then in one or more embodiments theremay not be a need to determine a current cash value per say. The“current cash value” for player symbols forming a winning outcome may bethat defined by the paytable for instance. In the embodiment of FIG. 5,this current cash value is reported by the value engine at a step 536 ifthe player symbols are a winning outcome. It is contemplated that thevalue engine may notify the processor (or other element(s) of the gamingmachine) that the player's symbols are a winning outcome as well. It isnoted that decision step 516 and the subsequent reporting/notificationstep 536 may not be in all embodiments, since the gaming machine may notrun or activate the value engine if the player has a winning outcome.

If at decision step 516, the player's symbols do not form a winningoutcome, the likelihood or odds that the player will achieve a winningoutcome from his or her current symbols may be determined at a step 520.For example, the player's symbols may be compared to each winningoutcome in a paytable to determine odds on whether the winning outcomewill be achieved from the players' current symbols. For example, in apoker type game, the players' current hand may be compared to winningpoker hands to determine how likely it is for the player to achieve eachof these hands with his or her current hand. The percentage determinedat this step for the winning outcomes may be stored on a memory device.

At a decision step 524, it may be determined if more than one of thewinning outcomes is likely given the player's current symbols. This mayoccur in various ways. For example, a winning outcome may be deemedlikely if the odds of it occurring from the player's current symbols areabove a particular threshold. The value engine may compare the odds ofone or more of the winning outcomes to this threshold to identifywinning outcomes that are likely. The threshold may be various valuesand may be changed. For example in one embodiment, the threshold may be30% while in other embodiments a higher or lower threshold may beselected.

At decision step 524, if more than one winning outcome is likely, thevalue engine may take this into account at step 528. Typically, thecurrent cash value will be based at least in part on the potential awardamount that a player could win. Since a single current cash value istypically desired, it may be beneficial to combine award amounts, odds,and other information from the multiple winning outcomes in generatingthe single current cash value.

The current cash value may be generated at a step 532. For example, inone embodiment, the total amount of awards from all likely winningoutcomes may be averaged and this average value may be used to set thecurrent cash value for the winning outcome. Alternatively, the median ofthe winning amounts may be used to set the current cash value. Inanother embodiment only the highest winning amount may be used todetermine the current cash value. In another embodiment, only the mostlikely winning outcome's award amount may be used to determine currentcash value. In one embodiment, the current cash value may be apercentage of a likely winning outcome's award amounts or a combinationof more than one likely winning outcome's award amount.

The current cash value may then be presented to the player, such as viaa display of the gaming machine. As described above, the player may thenchoose whether or not to accept the current cash value for his or hersymbols. If the player accepts, the player will typically be paid thecurrent cash value, and the game may subsequently end. If the playerdeclines, the underlying wagering game will typically continue accordingto its rules.

As stated, the determination of a current cash value for a player'ssymbols may occur at various stages of a game. This is advantageous forthe reasons stated above. In addition, the determination of a currentcash value can be used for other advantageous purposes. For example, itis contemplated that current cash value can itself be the basis of awagering game. In one embodiment for example, a player of a current cashvalue wagering game may be presented with one or more sets of one ormore game symbols or indicia and be provided a paytable. The paytable isprovided to allow the player to determine the winning outcomes for thegame. For example, list of winning poker hands may form the paytable insome embodiments.

The player may evaluate the sets of game symbols and select one or moreof them to play. Each set may have a current cash value associatedtherewith. To illustrate, one or more non-final poker hands withassociated current cash values may be presented to the player forevaluation. The current cash value may be determined based on thesymbols in the set and a paytable (among other things) such as describedabove. It is contemplated that the player may need to purchase theselect set(s) of symbols before he or she may play them to completion.For example, a set may be purchased by placing a wager on the selectedset of symbols. The purchase price may be based on or equal to thecurrent cash value associated with the set of symbols. It is noted thatthe purchase price may, in some embodiments, be expressed in terms ofcredits to allow the player to quickly determine how much he or she mustwager to purchase a particular set of symbols.

Alternatively, the player may be provided an opportunity to select oneor more sets upon the occurrence of a triggering event. For example, aplayer achieving a bonus at a base game may be allowed to select one ormore sets for free as a result of obtaining the bonus. In suchembodiments, the current cash value game functions as a bonus game.

It is noted that the current cash value game could be periodically orconstantly displayed as a secondary game on a gaming machine's display.For example, list of sets of symbols having associated current cashvalues may be presented to a player while the player is playing adifferent game. In this way, if a particular set of symbols catches theplayer's eye, he or she may purchase the set to attempt to win from it.

Since the player can see the symbols and the current cash value, theplayer can attempt to find sets of symbols that are a bargain, purchasethese sets, and attempt to form a winning outcome therefrom. The goalwould be to form a winning outcome has a larger award than the player'spurchase/wager amount.

In a similar vein, it is contemplated that a player may sell his or hersymbols in one or more embodiments. For example, a player havingachieved a particular set of symbols (e.g., playing card or slotsymbols) may decide that he or she is better off selling the hand toanother player than to take the current cash value or to attempt toachieve a winning outcome from the symbols. It is contemplated that theplayer may engage a “sell” button or the like to suspend the currentgame and solicit wagers or credits from other players who may purchasethe symbols from the player. The player's symbols may then enter anelectronic marketplace for sets of symbols. The player may play a newgame at this point, while awaiting the sale of the symbols.Alternatively, the player could simply wait for the symbols to be soldbefore playing again. With a number of players electronically connected,it can be seen that a substantial marketplace for non-final sets of gamesymbols may be constructed. It is noted that sets of symbols may not beresold in one or more embodiments. This ensures that the sets are playedto completion rather than repeatedly bought and sold. The marketplacefor non-final sets of symbols may be displayed as a secondary or bonusgame, such as described above with regard to the current cash valuegame.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

1. A gaming machine configured to present one or more wagering gamescomprising: a display configured to present one or more game symbols toa player; a paytable defining one or more winning outcomes and anassociated award for each of the one or more winning outcomes; a valueengine configured to determine a current cash value for the one or moregame symbols on the display based on the odds of the one or more gamesymbols forming one or more of the one or more winning outcomes; arandom number generator configured to generate a randomized current cashvalue the by combining the current cash value with a randomly generatedamount, wherein the randomized current ash value is presented on thedisplay; one or more input devices configured to receive an indicationthat the player is accepting the randomized current cash value, whereinwhen engaged the one or more input devices cause the gaming machine topay out the randomized current cash value to the player.
 2. The gamingmachine of claim 1, wherein the paytable comprises one or more pokerhands and the one or more game symbols are numbered playing cardsymbols.
 3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the paytablecomprises one or more sets of slot symbols and the one or more gamesymbols are slot symbols.
 4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein ifthe indication that the player is accepting the randomized current cashvalue is not received, the gaming machine is configured to accept aplayer selection of a number of opportunities to achieve a winningoutcome from the one or more game symbols on the display, and to presentone or more additional game symbols for each opportunity.
 5. The gamingmachine of claim 1, wherein the value engine is configured to presentthe randomized current cash value only when the one or more symbols donot form any of the one or more winning outcomes.
 6. The gaming machineof claim 1, wherein the value engine generates the current cash valuebased on the odds of one one or more of the one or more winning outcomesoccurring from the one or more game symbols, and the associated award ofthe one or more of the one or more winning outcomes.
 7. A gaming machineconfigured to present one or more wagering games comprising: a memorydevice storing one or more game symbols provided to a player by thegaming machine for use in a wagering game; a processor configured todetermine if the one or more game symbols form a winning outcome, and ifnot, to: generate a current cash value for the one or more game symbols;and generate a randomized cash value by combining the current cash valuewith a random amount; a display configured to present the randomizedcurrent cash value to the player; and an input device configured toreceive an indication that the player is accepting the randomizedcurrent cash value, wherein when engaged the input device causes thegaming machine to pay out the randomized current cash value to theplayer.
 8. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the processor isfurther configured to determine the odds of at least one winning outcomeoccurring from the one or more game symbols, the at least one winningoutcome having an associated award.
 9. The gaming machine of claim 8,wherein the processor generates a current cash value less than theassociated award of the at least one winning outcome.
 10. The gamingmachine of claim 7, wherein when engaged the input device also causesthe gaming machine to end a current game being played on the gamingmachine.
 11. The gaming machine of claim 7 further comprising one ormore additional input devices configured to accept input from the playerto allow the player to play the game.
 12. The gaming machine of claim 7further comprising a payout dispenser configured to pay the randomizedcurrent cash value to the player as a result of the input device beingengaged.
 13. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the one or more gamesymbols are numbered playing card symbols and the winning outcome is apoker hand.
 14. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the one or moregame symbols are slot symbols.
 15. A method of paying out an award fornon-final hands at a gaming machine comprising: accepting a wager at thegaming machine; presenting one or more game symbols that do not form awinning outcome on a display of the gaming machine; determining acurrent cash value for the one or more game symbols to the player beforethe game has ended; generating a randomized current cash value based onthe current cash value; presenting an option for the player to acceptthe randomized current cash value; presenting one or more additionalgame symbols; and ending the game by determining if the one or more gamesymbols and the one or more additional game symbols form a winningoutcome.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising receiving theplayer's acceptance of the randomized current cash value and ending thegame immediately thereafter by paying the player the randomized currentcash value.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising paying theplayer an award associated with the winning outcome if the one or moregame symbols and the one or more additional symbols form the winningoutcome.
 18. The method of claim 15 further comprising determining oddsof a winning outcome occurring from the one or more symbols, andgenerating the current cash value based on the odds.
 19. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising identifying a winning outcome including atleast one of the one or more symbols, and setting the current cash valueto an amount less than an award amount associated with the winningoutcome.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the current cash value isalso set such that it is greater than the wager.